metamorphic
Rounded pale quartz-rich stone (likely quartzite or milky quartz)
Quartzite, predominantly SiO₂; possibly massive milky quartz
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectCream-white, opaque to translucent, smooth and rounded with a dull-to-waxy luster; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The image does not show enough detail to distinguish quartzite from milky quartz confidently.
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Physical properties
Cream-white, opaque to translucent, smooth and rounded with a dull-to-waxy luster; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The image does not show enough detail to distinguish quartzite from milky quartz confidently.
Formation & geological history
Quartzite forms when quartz sandstone is recrystallized during metamorphism; massive milky quartz forms from silica-rich hydrothermal veins. These materials range from Precambrian to recent, depending on source, and the specimen appears naturally water-rounded or tumbled.
Uses & applications
Used as aggregate, building and decorative stone, abrasives, and occasionally lapidary material; attractive pieces may be polished for display, but this specimen has little gem value.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is chemically resistant, allowing quartz-rich pebbles to survive prolonged weathering and transport.
Field identification & locations
Test with a steel file or glass: genuine quartz should resist scratching glass, though this is destructive and not definitive. Common sources include river gravels, quartz veins, and quartzite terrains worldwide.
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